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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Valdosta chapter.

Social media is a great medium in which communication is exchanged on a daily basis. It’s a way to stay connected with the people around you and even with people you do not get to see on a regular basis. But every good thing comes with something bad. Unfortunately, sometimes social media can be a channel for negative energy.

You scroll through your timeline, and you come across a post full of complaints. Other times, you come across someone you used to associate with but have grown distant to. The problem with being connected with people is sometimes the past creeps up again. Old history is reminded of again, and you stare at your screen in disgust. You see a post you don’t like, and you roll your eyes at it as you keep scrolling. I am most definitely guilty of this. Forgiveness can come easily, but most of the time, it’s really hard to forget. However, recently, I’ve adapted a new positive mindset and outlook. Why must we hold onto the negativity and this toxic habit? It’s so easy to get caught up in holding grudges. But, the answer is so simple! Disconnect. Disconnect from the person! Unfriend them or unfollow them! It’s really that simple. Cleanse yourself of this bad energy. Take the phrase, “Out of sight, out of mind,” and apply it to getting rid of the toxic friendships and relationships in your life. If someone is making you that unhappy because of a post, it’s time to change something about yourself.

When you disconnect from the negativity, you will find yourself feeling more relieved. Trust me. You can’t change others. In fact, you should not try to change others because it will leave you disappointed. Especially with friendships, I feel like we all get so caught up in the moment. We have to realize that life is constantly moving, and things are constantly changing. Someone that is in your life now might not be relevant in five years. It sounds harsh, but it’s the honest truth. So, if your friendship or relationship is taking away your happiness or is constantly taking from you, end it. Life is too short to hold onto people who are not helping you move up in life. I’m not saying you should expect anything from people. My purpose of saying all this is to tell you that if someone is not contributing to your happiness, but instead they are taking away from you, don’t surround yourself with that negativity.

Getting rid of toxic people in your life will not be easy. Will it be worth it? Definitely. It’s okay to focus on yourself and what’s best for you. It’s okay to drift apart from people you were once close with. Within this decade, our focus is the future. Most of us will be married, have kids, be travelling the world, be highly successful at their career, or be content with life. It just seems incredibly silly to keep all the negative energy around. People change. People move on. It’s time to purge the negativity. 

HCXO!

Sylvia Leong is a mass media major at Valdosta State University hoping to achieve her goal of securing a job in sports broadcasting. This Georgia peach loves all shades of blue, football season, and charming her way with sarcasm. Follow on Instagram and Twitter: svia96
Her Campus at Valdosta State.